On Day Before Veterans Day, Senator Menendez Introduces Bill In Support Of Military Family Unity

Military Families Act would adjust the status of immediate family members of active military service members to that of lawful permanent residents

Washington, D.C.- Today, the day before Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Menendez (D-NJ) reintroduced his legislation that would grant lawful permanent residence status to the immigrant immediate family members of active members of the military and veterans. Under the Military Families Act (S. 2757), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would have the right to adjust the status of an individual to that of lawful permanent resident if the individual is a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter of an Armed Forces member who is serving or has served honorably in an active-duty status in the military, air or naval forces of the United States or the immediate relative of an Armed Forces member who died as a result of injury or disease incurred because of his or her service. The bill would also assist the sons and daughters of a Filipino World War II veteran who bravely served our country. The Military Families Act (S. 2757), was cosponsored by Senators Landrieu (D-La.), Inouye (D-HI), Durbin (D-IL), Gillibrand (D-NY), and Feingold (D-WI).

"We owe the men and women who risk their lives in service of our nation so much, and that should include the right to be united with their closest family members in our country on a permanent basis," said Menendez. "A grateful nation shows gratitude for members of the military not just through statements and ceremonies on Veterans Day, which are important, but also in how we take care of military families. This bill will help ensure the families of those that have served our country with pride and valor don't face unfair and unexpected deportation and are able to remain in this land they call home, close to their loved ones. As we prepare to celebrate Veteran's Day, we keep in our prayers and thoughts those who have died while serving our nation and their family members. We also honor those that put their life on the life on our behalf. With this bill, we can show one measure of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice."

"While we can never repay the tremendous debt we owe the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, we can certainly provide them with the opportunity to unite with their closest family members in our country on a permanent basis," said Gillibrand. "These men and women and their families have sacrificed so much for our country. They deserve the right to come together here on American soil."

"It is important that we honor and reflect on the many sacrifices made so willingly by the brave men and women who fight and defend our freedoms." said Medal of Honor recipient Senator Daniel K. Inouye. "Through this bill we will protect their family members and honor the sacrifices they make while their loved ones proudly serve our country."